Maya -- Duplicate with transform + duplicate as mesh reference. A script to make possible?

Alex_J

Two useful tools, but if combined can be even better. Does anybody know a way to do so? Any MEL scripters got some time to help? 

The specific workflow problem I am trying to improve is this:   little ticks of a compass or watch. Hundreds of little rectangles that must be duplicated at exact spacing. It would add non-destructive power to be able to edit these are mesh references once they are all in place. 


Maybe there is a better workflow for this altogether? What I am doing isn't a big problem or anything, I just think how it could be made better.

Flmn

I'm not quiet understand, why do you need references in that case, as you can easily use instances. Just use this MEL command, it works same as duplicate transform - run it, move new object, repeat the command.

instance -smartTransform;

Joopson

Is there a reason "Duplicate Special" set to instance wouldn't work? You can set how many instances, and how much each is rotated around a specified pivot point (which you could snap to the center vert of your watch face, etc.)

Here's an example:

Alex_J

the only reason it wasn't working is because I didn't know it existed!
haha, thanks @Joopson . I guess it's a bit dumb to think I know everything about a tool without actually reviewing it first.

onionhead_o

its time to start using MASH,it takes out all the calculating of the angle amount for circular arrays. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wytVbDSCP24